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Annual scholarship program prepares to award new franchisee $50,000

We believe in Moving People Forward®, personally and professionally, after all it is our core purpose. In 2014, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® launched Mary Ellen’s Moving People Forward® scholarship program in order to provide managers an opportunity to transition into successful franchisees.

After the success of the program’s first year recipient, Randi Bloodworth, we’re ecstatic for the program’s second year as these system leaders work to move their careers forward and grow the brand’s footprint.

As a catalyst for system expansion, the scholarship program puts candidates through one year of extensive training to further develop their knowledge of the inner workings of a franchise system. During this time candidates complete online classes and live webinars, as well as work closely with departments at Home Office on management assignments to enhance their skills. Candidates attend internal events including the Frontline Annual Meeting in Lansing, Mich., as well as the company’s Annual Meeting to co-present on important topics to system attendees. Additionally, the candidates are asked to write a reflection after visiting another location for a better understanding of the role of a franchisee.

These assignments lead to candidates visiting Home Office to interview with the company’s executive team and present a comprehensive business plan in August. The program winner is announced in September.

The winner is awarded a $50,000 scholarship to go toward opening their very own new franchise, in partnership with their franchisee, who works closely alongside the participant throughout the program. This year’s scholarship recipient is expected to open their new franchise by March 2017.

Remaining program participants will each receive $10,000 toward the opening of their new franchise which will be expected to open within two years.

This year’s candidates are in their final stretch of the program and all three participants began as movers, before working their way up into management positions within the system.

Jason Washburn, Boston, Mass.

Jason Washburn has been a valued member of the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® family since February 2011 and is working hard to learn as much as he can from this experience.

“I have told myself from the beginning that no matter the outcome, at the end of the program the experience I will get, the relationships I will build, and the knowledge that I will gain is extremely valuable,” said Washburn. “I feel like the program is an open door to many opportunities.”

While focusing on every aspect of the program and taking it all in, he is taking note on what he feels is essential to running his own franchise.

“An important aspect to running a successful franchise is having a vision,” said Washburn. “Instead of planning for the present, plan for the future. This will allow you to always be ahead.”

Dan Pettit, Grand Rapids South, Mich.

With more than seven years with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, Dan Pettit is no stranger to knowing what it truly means to be the “Movers Who Care®”.

“I hope to just learn and grow. I want to continue to challenge myself and exercise my mind,” he said.

Throughout the duration of the program, Pettit has a clear outlook of what it takes to run a successful franchise.

“I believe it is important to have very specific goals, monitor, find ways to reach those goals, and celebrate your successes with your team. The satisfaction and momentum achieved by meeting and exceeding goals each day, month, and year is invaluable,” said Pettit. “It is just as important to love the franchise system that you work with, and truly appreciate and believe in what you do.”

Chris Jones, Boise, Idaho

Chris Jones has been a dedicated employee at the Boise, Idaho office since the day its doors opened back in May 2012.

“I want to be better than I was yesterday,” said Jones. “Our system is always providing great resources to make us more knowledgeable and better in our industry. I feel this program is a great opportunity to learn, gain confidence, and add more value to myself. I know this will help our current location become better. ”

Jones feels when it comes to running a successful franchise, multiple minds are always better than one, in addition to clear communication.

“It’s important to communicate clearly and set proper expectations. This applies to our customers, vendors, teams, and anyone we have a relationship with at our franchise,” said Jones. “When we do this, there are no surprises and everything runs a lot smoother and we tend to be more successful.”

We are excited to see such dedicated team members work to move the system forward! These individuals embody what it takes to owning their own TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® location, making them ideal candidates for the program.